Method and apparatus for performing multidirectional tibial tubercle transfers

Abstract

Apparatus for performing a multidirectional tibial tubercle transfer, comprising a jig for positioning against the anterior portion of the tibia, the jig comprising first and second guide surfaces which simultaneously converge towards one another as they extend distally down, and posteriorly towards, the tibia; a medial extender for attaching to the jig, wherein the medial extender comprises a third guide surface which is directed towards a point distal to the point of convergence of the first and second guide surfaces as the third guide surface extends distally down, and posteriorly towards, the tibia; and a lateral extender for attaching to the jig, wherein the lateral extender comprises a fourth guide surface which is directed towards a point distal to the point of convergence of the first and second guide surfaces as the fourth guide surface extends distally down, and posteriorly towards, the tibia.

Description

REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION[0001]This patent application claims benefit of pending prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 431,733, filed Jan. 11, 2011 by Alan C. Merchant for METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING MULTIDIRECTIONAL TIBIAL TUBERCLE TRANSFERS (Attorney's Docket No. MERCHANT-1 PROV), which patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to surgical methods and apparatus in general, and more particularly to surgical methods and apparatus for performing tibial tubercle transfers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In the field of orthopedic surgery, transferring the tibial tubercle is a well-recognized operative technique to correct the alignment of the extensor mechanism of the knee when that portion of the knee is found to be misaligned. This is traditionally done by moving the tibial tubercle from its current, non-optimum location to a more desirable location. The most common di...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]These and other objects are addressed by the present invention, which comprises an improved method and apparatus for transferring the tibial tubercle.

Problems solved by technology

Prior art approaches for transferring the tibial tubercle have generally proven to be problematic for a variety of reasons.

Among other things, prior art approaches for transferring the tibial tubercle have generally proven to be (i) relatively complex and time-consuming to perform, (ii) less precise than desired, (iii) not highly reproducible from patient-to-patient and surgeon-to-surgeon, (iv) technique restrictive, and / or (v) procedurally invasive.

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